Katie Leung says Harry Potter online harassment 'nearly made me quit acting'

Leung described feeling overwhelmed by the barrage of negativity, saying the experience was "truly surreal"

Harry Potter actress Katie Leung has opened up about the severe online harassment she faced after being cast as Cho Chang in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, revealing that the abuse was so relentless it almost pushed her to quit acting altogether. Leung shared her story in a candid conversation about her early career and experiences with fame.

Leung, who was cast as Cho Chang at age 17, recounted how the backlash began almost immediately after the casting announcement. Despite earning the role on merit, she became the target of racist criticism and hurtful comments from some corners of the internet.

"I didn’t know that was a thing, like people would go and sort of comment on that,” she recalled, noting how bewildering and shocking the experience was as a teenager.

The backlash took a toll on Leung’s confidence and mental health. She described feeling overwhelmed by the barrage of negativity, saying the experience was “truly surreal” and that it made her question whether she wanted to continue in the industry. “I definitely thought about stepping away from acting because of it,” she said, reflecting on a time when the harassment felt almost unbearable.

Leung also spoke about the broader cultural context of the abuse she faced, explaining that much of it stemmed from racial bias and prejudice rather than genuine critique of her performance. She highlighted the importance of acknowledging how online harassment targets marginalized actors differently, especially young performers suddenly thrust into global attention.

Despite the vitriol, Leung continued with her acting career and later found roles that allowed her to grow as an artist and person. Looking back, she said she’s grateful for the support of loved ones and colleagues who helped sustain her through those difficult early years in the public eye.